A Reiki attunement is a teacher-led initiation within Reiki training. In Reiki traditions, it marks the student’s introduction to practicing Reiki. The ceremony, terminology and sequence vary by lineage and course; ask your teacher what your particular class includes.
At Self Empowered Minds, Saba Hocek teaches Reiki in the Usui/Holy Fire lineage. This guide explains what to ask before training, how to approach the experience and where spiritual teachings differ from medical evidence.
Reiki teachings and the evidence
The International Center for Reiki Training describes attunement in terms of receiving the ability to practice Reiki and connecting with Reiki energy. That is an explanation from within the tradition, rather than proof of a measurable change in the body.
The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) reports that Reiki has not been clearly shown to work for a health-related purpose and that scientific evidence does not support the proposed energy field. Training and attunement do not confer a medical qualification or establish an ability to diagnose or treat illness.
What happens during the ceremony?
Your teacher should explain the format before beginning. Depending on the practice taught, you may sit or lie down, listen to guidance and spend time quietly. Some traditions include touch on the head, shoulders or hands; others use a different approach. There is no single sequence or duration that applies to every course.
Before attending, ask Saba about the position used, the length of the ceremony and whether sound, essential oils, eye coverings or touch are included. Mention accessibility needs and sensory preferences in advance. You can ask questions, decline an optional element or request a pause.
For online participation, confirm that the specific course supports it and ask how the live instruction, ceremony and practice are organized. A private distance Reiki appointment and a training course are different bookings.
What might you notice?
Reiki teachers describe a range of subjective experiences, including warmth, relaxation, emotions or visual imagery. Some people notice nothing unusual. There is no sensation you have to produce or report to meet a teacher’s expectations.
Warmth, tingling, dreams or imagery do not demonstrate that energy is flowing, that a health problem has improved or that a memory is accurate. An experience may feel personally meaningful without establishing those claims. Ask for clarification if an explanation makes you uncomfortable.
After an attunement
Ask for the course’s practice instructions and an opportunity to discuss what you noticed. You might write down questions and begin with a short, comfortable practice using the positions you were taught. See our guide to building a self-Reiki routine for a flexible example.
Do not assume that new or worsening symptoms are a detox, an energy release or proof that the ceremony worked. You do not need to wait through a supposed integration period before seeking help. Discuss medical or mental-health concerns with an appropriately licensed healthcare professional. Training support from Saba does not replace that care.
Questions to ask before enrolling
- Which Reiki lineage and level does the course teach, and what experience is required?
- What happens during the ceremony, and what choices do I have about touch or participation?
- How much guided practice and feedback are included?
- Is this course in person or live online, and what equipment or space do I need?
- What are the tuition, schedule and cancellation terms? Which mentoring or practice opportunities are included in this particular course?
Frequently asked questions
What if I do not feel anything?
A quiet experience is something you can discuss with your teacher. The absence or presence of sensations is not a medical test, and you do not need to claim an experience you did not have.
Is an attunement permanent?
Some Reiki teachings describe it as lifelong. That is a spiritual teaching, not a scientifically established biological change. Ask your teacher how their tradition approaches further training, practice and refresher sessions.
Is an attunement the same as a private Reiki session?
No. Attunement belongs to training. A private session is an appointment to experience the practitioner’s approach, without enrolling in a course or receiving a practitioner credential.
Explore Reiki training with Saba
See Reiki I and II training at Self Empowered Minds for current formats and registration, or ask about upcoming dates and online participation. If you would like an individual appointment, explore private Reiki sessions in NYC and online.
Updated October 23, 2026. The linked ICRT explanation describes Reiki teachings; the NCCIH resource summarizes health evidence.